GRAY INDURATION Meaning and
Definition
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Gray induration is a medical term that refers to a specific pathological condition characterized by the presence of an abnormally firm and pale grayish tissue in an organ or body part. This condition is typically observed during the physical examination of organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
The gray induration is often a result of a chronic inflammatory process, usually due to an infection or long-term exposure to irritants. It can also be associated with conditions like fibrosis or necrosis, where there is abnormal formation or death of cells within the affected tissue.
The term "gray" describes the color of the hardened tissue, which is typically paler compared to the surrounding healthy tissue, while "induration" refers to the hardened or firm consistency observed during palpation or touch.
The presence of gray induration in an organ may indicate an underlying disease or condition, and is often associated with impaired organ function. For example, in the case of lungs, gray induration may hinder the expansion and contraction required for proper breathing. The diagnosis of gray induration is usually made by a healthcare professional through a combination of physical examination, medical history assessment, and imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasound.
Treatment of gray induration depends on the underlying cause. It often involves addressing the primary condition, such as administering antibiotics for infections, or implementing lifestyle changes to alleviate exposure to irritants. In some cases, surgical intervention or medical therapies may be required to manage or remove the affected tissue.
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Non-pigmented hardening of the lung after pneumonia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GRAY INDURATION
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Etymology of GRAY INDURATION
The term "gray induration" is a medical term used to describe a specific characteristic or appearance seen in certain diseases, particularly in the lung. It refers to the grayish firmness or Consolidation observed in tissues affected by chronic inflammation or infection.
Etymologically, "gray" originates from the Old English word "græg", which comes from the Proto-Germanic word "grēvaz". It is related to the Proto-Indo-European base word "ghreu-" meaning "to rub, grind". "Gray" is used to describe the color of an object that falls between black and white.
"Induration", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "induratio", which means "hardening". It is derived from the verb "indurare", meaning "to harden".
